Vivian Rose Red Leaf - Wicahpi Skaya Winyan age 88 of Rapid City South Dakota began her spiritual journey on March 1, 2014 surrounded by family at Hospice of the Black Hills. She was born October 10, 1925 in a small community that no longer exists on the Cheyenne River Reservation. As a young girl Vivian attended the Pierre Indian School for most of her K-12 education. During her summer school break she participated in the culture activities, enjoying most the horseback riding. Although the boarding school experience attempted to break the Lakota heart and heritage of our mom, her spirit was never broken. Although the boarding school trauma she experienced was difficult for her to understand none the less she used it to become a better person and strengthen her resolve. She immerged from that and experience and harbored no ill will to those that tried to take her first language, Lakota. After finishing school she moved to Rapid City and resided in a small resident Lone Tree Apartments on Main St. by the present VFW. Her professional career began at the Rapid City Laundry as an attendant. During these early years she enjoyed dancing at the Palace Ballroom where she met and later married Steven Red Leaf. After 48 years of marriage she lost her husband, friend and our father to heart complications. Vivian herself had a cancer scare in 2003 which she fought courageously. To this union they were blessed with 14 children and 32 grandchildren that cover a span of 5 generations. She began her career working for Indian Health Service at the Sioux San Training Center. While there she held many positions such as photographer, dorm counselor, motor pool supervisor, and dedicated to her overall responsibilities. After a career span of 28 years she retired from Indian Health Service to enjoy her family. Her faith was incredible and sustained her through the terrific loss of two young children Dennis and Ray. Within recent years she lost her daughter Linda who at age 47 left on her journey to prepare a place for our mom. The most difficult loss she faced was that of another child. Her faith was again tested with the death of Linda. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Enjoying their varying activities and accomplishments. She admitted to enjoying cartoons and animated movies with her grandchildren. She had an infectious laughter and sense of humor that blossomed fourth in her personality for everyone that she came in contact with. Mom was especially moved when the letters she had corresponded with Kenny West were produced as he had saved them for over 50 years. They reignited the childhood friendship, language and cultural experiences and enjoyed the next 8 years growing together. Honorable mention goes out to those who made our moms life complete: Carrington Owen, service unit director of Sioux San; Donna Pexa, who’s friendship has endured 45 years with laughter and small gifts; Everett Dupris, who shared the intimacy of a language and culture; countless others who are family and friends who’s names are written in the stories of her life. Survivors include: daughter Peggy Red Leaf of Rapid City; son Dale (Jaunita) Red Leaf of Denver; son Gerald (Glenda) Red Leaf of Rapid City; son Joe (Rose) of Rapid City; daughter Mary Red Leaf-Schmidt of Rapid City; son Thomas (Priscilla) Red Leaf of Rapid City; daughter Gwen Red Leaf of Rapid City; daughter Joyce (Kenneth) Farnham of Williston, ND; son Eddie (Trina) Red Leaf of Rapid City; son Dean (Suzie) Red Leaf of Rapid City; son Don Red Leaf of Rapid City and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren